When she first met her CHN service coordinator, Sheila was struggling—with drug addiction, health issues, paying rent, and finding food. Sheila’s untreated addiction had led to her losing her job, a crushing blow in anyone’s life. Her circumstances, and mental and physical health, were all suffering. She needed some support to get back on her feet.
A resident at CHN’s Inglewood Court, Sheila was connected with an on-site service coordinator as soon as she signed her lease. Together they figured out a plan and began to address each issue, one by one. First, a revised resume that enabled Sheila to apply for local job opportunities. Second, obtaining food assistance benefits and health insurance so Sheila could access proper nutrition and care. Third, connecting Sheila to AA so she could work on her sobriety. Finally, receiving a rent reduction to make monthly payments affordable. Every step of the way, the service coordinator served as Sheila’s safety net and support system, reminding her of her innate resilience, connecting her to useful resources, and helping her achieve stability.
Today, Sheila is not only steadily employed full-time, she’s even putting some of her earnings away for the future. With medical insurance and addiction services, she’s been able to improve her physical and mental health, and achieve sobriety. After going through her own traumas, Sheila now shares her hard-won confidence and positivity by providing peer support to other residents in her building.
